NEW MAJOR changes to Student visas and 457 visas

(Source: Wikimedia)
(Source: Wikimedia)

The Immigration Department has announced some changes to both Student Visas and 457 Visas to be implemented between now and 1 July 2016. The first of these changes were implemented yesterday starting with the the 457 visa process:

  1. Visa applicants  are required to to enter the details of a nomination by a sponsor or proposed sponsor when making internet visa applications.
  2. The requirement to provide evidence of English language proficiency for the Subclass 457 visa has been removed because applicants already demonstrate such proficiency when obtaining occupational registration or licensing.
  3. Both the changes above will apply to applicants who lodge their 457 visa application from the 19 April 2016.

Student visas are in for a bigger change after the Immigration Department announced that starting 1 July 2016, Student Visa categories will be cut down to just 2 Subclasses. Currently there are 8 Subclasses for Student Visas ranging from 570-580. The new Subclasses are:

  1. Subclass 500 – Student
  2. Subclass 590 – Student Guardian

The exact details of the new Student Visas are yet to be released and we will keep you updated with the latest information.

To find out how this applies to your situation, contact us on (02)8880 0210 or info@affinitymigration.com.au.

#student #sc457 #changes #migration